Loneliness Among Adolescents Increases Significantly

More and more young people in Austria feel lonely. This is shown by current figures from "Rat auf Draht". From January to November 2025, there were 202 conversations in which loneliness was the main topic – an increase of 37.4 percent compared to the previous year.

Teenagers aged 16 and above particularly affected

According to statistics, around 42 percent of the consultations are for the age group of 16 to 18-year-olds, about 43 percent for young adults between 19 and 24 years. Many feel emotionally alone despite attending school, training, or having a circle of friends.

"Loneliness is a very subjective, painful feeling – even when surrounded by people," explains Birgit Satke, head of the counseling team. Changed family structures, lack of attention, and increasing pressure to perform in school and society are central factors. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated the problem.

Digital contacts do not replace real closeness

While social media and messenger services facilitate communication, they do not replace personal relationships according to Satke. Many young people have hundreds of online contacts but no one to have a real conversation with. Digital "friendships" with AI-supported chatbots are also not a solution – they could even displace real social relationships.

Loneliness around Christmas often particularly noticeable

Especially during the Christmas season, the feeling of isolation is often particularly pronounced, says Satke. The idealized images of family happiness in school, media, and social networks often stand in stark contrast to one's own life reality. Disputes, separation, or violence in families can intensify the feeling of exclusion.

Rat auf Draht tries to explore the causes of loneliness together with those affected and to show ways out. In case of persistent stress, psychological help is also advisable, emphasizes the expert.

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.